In the presence of Krishna, the grieving Brahmana turned to Arjuna and bitterly reproached him, expressing his disappointment: “See my foolishness—I believed his boastful words.” He lamented that neither Pradyumna, nor Aniruddha, nor Balarama, nor even Krishna himself could protect his child; who else then, O Lord of the universe, could possibly do so? The Brahmana’s sorrow turned to scorn: “Shame on Arjuna for his empty boasts, shame on his self-praise and his bow! Deluded, he tries to oppose what is ordained by fate.” Thus cursed by the Brahmana sage, Arjuna—also known as Phalguna—though relying on his knowledge and valor, quickly set out for Samyamanī, the realm of Lord Yama, searching for the Brahmana’s lost son. Not finding the child there, Arjuna, armed and determined, journeyed to the celestial cities: first to Indra’s, then to those of Agni, Nirriti, Soma, Vayu, and Varuna. He descended to Rasatala, ascended to the heavens, and visited the abodes of other deities, bearing his weapons at all times. Yet, despite his efforts, he could not find the Brahmana’s son nor fulfill his promise. Overwhelmed by failure, Arjuna resolved to enter fire and end his life, but Krishna intervened and stopped him. Krishna spoke gently: “I will show you the Brahmana’s sons; do not belittle yourself. Blessed are those who establish our pure fame among men.” With these words, Krishna and Arjuna, the two Lords, mounted the divine chariot and set out toward the western direction. Together, they crossed the seven continents, the seven oceans, the seven great mountains, and even Lokāloka, journeying into realms beyond. As they proceeded, the four celestial horses—Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka—lost their way and wandered into impenetrable darkness. Seeing this, Krishna, the master of all yogic power, sent forth his Sudarśana discus, radiant as a thousand suns, ahead of them. The discus, swift as thought, entered the vast, terrifying darkness and split it apart with its brilliant light, just as Lord Rama’s arrow would cleave through an army, freed from all hindrances. Following the path carved by the discus, Arjuna beheld a supreme, boundless light shining beyond the darkness—so brilliant that he was forced to close his eyes. Carried onward by the wind, they entered waters adorned with great waves, where Arjuna saw a wondrous, radiant palace, its thousands of gem-studded columns shining brilliantly. Within this palace lay a magnificent, infinite serpent with a thousand heads, each hood adorned with luminous gems. Its form shone brilliantly, its eyes fierce, its body white as a mountain, and its tongue blue-black. Upon the comfortable seat of this great serpent, Arjuna and Krishna beheld the all-pervading Lord—supreme in majesty, the highest among persons, dark as a dense raincloud, clad in yellow garments, with a serene visage and beautiful, wide eyes. He was adorned with a radiant crown and earrings of precious jewels, his thousand curling locks encircled by a glowing aura. Eight long, graceful arms bore the Kaustubha gem, and his chest was marked with Śrīvatsa and garlanded with a forest wreath. Overwhelmed by awe, Krishna—the infallible Acyuta—bowed before the infinite Self, and Arjuna followed, deeply moved. Then, the Lord of all lords, smiling and powerful, addressed them with joined palms: “Desiring to see you both, I brought the Brahmana’s sons here, to preserve righteousness on earth. You two are incarnations of My own portion; quickly return and destroy the burden of evil on earth. Though your desires are fulfilled, you, Nara and Nārāyaṇa—the foremost sages—continue to practice righteousness for the stability and welfare of the world.” Thus instructed by the Supreme Lord, Krishna and Arjuna bowed deeply, reciting “Om,” and departed with the Brahmana’s sons. Filled with joy, they returned to their own abode as before and restored the sons to the Brahmana, each child in his proper form and age. Hearing of that divine Vaiṣṇava realm, Arjuna was utterly amazed, realizing that all power possessed by men is truly due to Krishna’s compassion. Displaying such wondrous deeds, Krishna delighted in worldly pleasures and performed sacrifices surpassing all others. He bestowed every desired blessing upon the people—Brahmanas and others—at the proper times, just as Indra showers rain after attaining supremacy. Having slain the unrighteous kings and caused their destruction through Arjuna and others, Krishna swiftly established dharma through the sons of Dharma and their allies. Śuka continued: Dwelling happily in his own city, Dvārakā, the Lord of fortune enjoyed a place abundant with every prosperity, surrounded by the foremost of the Vṛṣṇis. The city shone with women adorned in splendid attire, radiant with youthful beauty, playing with balls and games in their palaces, flashing like lightning. The streets bustled with life—intoxicated elephants, warriors, horses, and golden chariots, all splendidly decorated. Gardens and groves flourished with blossoming trees, their air resounding with the songs of bees and birds. Krishna delighted as the sole beloved of sixteen thousand wives, each in her own magnificent home, each displaying wondrous forms. In pure waters scented by the pollen of blooming lotuses, lilies, and blue water-lilies, and among flocks of chirping birds, Krishna sported, entering the lakes, his body anointed with saffron from the embraces of his beloveds. Gandharvas sang joyfully, drums and cymbals resounded, and bards, genealogists, and singers played the lute. Krishna, laughing with playful gestures, was sprinkled by his wives as he sported with them, like the lord of the Yakṣas among Yakṣīs. Their garments soaked, their broad breasts exposed, they showered him with handfuls of flowers and embraced him with playful intent, their faces radiant with smiles of awakened longing. Krishna’s chest was adorned with garlands smeared with saffron, his hair loosened from play and embraces, and surrounded by young women, he enjoyed himself like a mighty elephant among female elephants. He gifted ornaments and garments to the dancers, singers, musicians, and his wives, enhancing their joy. As Krishna enjoyed himself with smiles, glances, playful jokes, and embraces, the minds of the women were wholly captivated by his charm.